Geotechnical Engineering & Soil Testing Specialists
Civiltest is one of Australia’s trusted providers of geotechnical engineering, soil testing, and construction materials testing services, supporting civil engineering and infrastructure projects across the country. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Civiltest has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable testing, engineering expertise, and practical solutions for projects of all sizes.
Our experienced team of geotechnical engineers, field technicians, and laboratory specialists works with contractors, developers, engineers, and government organisations to provide accurate testing and engineering advice. Civiltest operates NATA-accredited laboratories and offices across Victoria and Western Australia, delivering efficient laboratory analysis, field investigations, and technical consulting services.
Civiltest supports a wide range of industries including civil construction, infrastructure, mining, renewable energy, and commercial development. From early geotechnical site investigations and soil analysis through to construction materials testing and project completion, our team provides the technical insight required to ensure safe, compliant, and successful construction outcomes.
History
Our origins stretch back to 1975, when the Shire of Flinders Materials Testing Laboratory was established. The laboratory was then operated by Mr. Steven Buffinton, a director and founder of Civiltest.
In 1987, Civiltest was formed as a separate entity and has since experienced massive growth and success. Our company has expanded from a small team in 1987 to more than 70 people today and continues to grow.
Today Civiltest is governed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are active within the business and set direction and business goals for a highly experienced, hand-picked team of managers.
Throughout our company’s history, one thing has never changed – our personal approach and commitment to quality customer service.
Our People
Scott Flood
Managing Director
Scott joined Civiltest as a Laboratory Manager in 2018 and has recently been appointed Managing Director. He brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of the company’s operations, clients, and service delivery.
Scott has played a key role in the growth and success of Civiltest, particularly during his time as National Project Manager, where he led major projects and supported teams across Australia. His hands-on approach and strong technical background have enabled him to consistently deliver practical, high-quality outcomes for clients.
With over two decades of experience in the geotechnical and construction materials testing industry, Scott has developed a comprehensive understanding of both field and laboratory operations, as well as project management and client engagement.
As Managing Director, Scott is focused on driving operational excellence, strengthening client relationships, and building on Civiltest’s reputation for reliable, responsive, and high-quality service across Australia.
Scott is committed to fostering a collaborative team culture and ensuring Civiltest continues to deliver value on every project.
Mitchell Ratten
Director
Mitchell joined Civiltest as a Geotechnical Field Technician and driller in 2012, embarking on a career change after many years in the Australian Army as a Combat Engineer. His previous experience in a defence force role was invaluable to Civiltest; leading teams, working under challenging conditions and operation of complex and technical equipment.
After six years gaining field experience and pursuing further study, with a Bachelor in Business (Management) at Swinburne University and a Certificate 4 in Occupational Health and Safety, Mitchell transitioned to the role of Operations Manager for our Mornington office in 2018 before his appointment as Director in 2019.
Mitchell is dedicated to continual operational excellence for our various departments, assisting teams with problem solving, achieving their goals and maintaining a strong client focus.
He has a strong commitment to adding value through his role and driving business development and growth.
Grant Gibbs
Director
Grant commenced working with Civiltest in 1994 as a Laboratory Technician. He progressed quickly through several roles within the company, gaining valuable knowledge and expertise along the way. After six years as Managing Director, Grant was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2018 and has since transitioned into the role of Systems Manager.
Grant’s extensive experience across laboratory, field, and leadership positions provides him with a deep understanding of Civiltest’s capabilities and service offering, as well as strong expertise in geotechnical services.
Having worked in a wide range of roles — including Laboratory Technician, Senior Technician, Laboratory Manager, Operations Manager, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer — Grant is uniquely positioned to support the continuous improvement of Civiltest’s systems and processes, while clearly articulating the value the company delivers to its clients.
Grant maintains a strong commitment to a hands-on approach and continues to foster close relationships with clients, ensuring effective collaboration between Civiltest’s team and its clients across all projects.
Jinke Yu
Director
Jinke joined Civiltest in 2013 as a Geotechnical Engineer, his first professional role after completing a Bachelor Degree in Environment (Civil Systems) at University of Melbourne. After three years with Civiltest, he returned to university to complete a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with Civiltest’s support, while working part-time.
In 2018, Jinke he was invited to join the Board of Directors and became the company’s youngest Director at just 29 years of age.
His skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking and long-term planning are of immense value to our team and clients. He has a keen interest in continuous improvement for the company and particular expertise in slope stability analysis, foundation engineering and soil mechanics.
Jinke was instrumental in developing a soil logging app in partnership with junior engineers. The app has improved the overall efficiency of our team to collate field data and provide real time information to our engineers.
Phil Morgans
Director
Phil Morgans also joined Civiltest as a Laboratory Technician. Since 1996 he has spent significant time on continuous improvement of our laboratory work and capabilities.
Phil held critical roles as Senior Technician, Laboratory Manager and Manager of our Mitcham branch before taking on the role of Director.
From the very first meeting, Phil works to achieve a comprehensive understanding of a client’s requirements before matching Civiltest services to their exact needs.
Utilising his vast experience in both field and laboratory testing, Phil works hand-in-hand with clients, offering advice and guidance and developing clear and achievable outcomes for every project.
Jim Perry
General Manager
Jim has been working with Civiltest for more than 19 years and has progressed through various roles in the company, from Field Technician undertaking site classification investigations, to Operations Manager and now General Manager.
Jim also holds mechanical qualifications and oversees areas such as maintenance, equipment development and OH&S procedural compliance.
He has developed a strong grounding in Civiltest’s geotechnical engineering services and the demands of geotechnical work. Jim has a thorough understanding of the way Civiltest relates to the industry we serve.
Jim has a sound understanding of client requirements. He tailors our services to best meet client needs and is in constant liaison with our engineering team to meet demands.
Our personal approach and focus on quality service and outcomes has never changed.
Contact Civiltest today to discuss your requirements